Smithson advises replacing those fattening chips with raw vegetables and scooping into a low-fat dip made with fat-free sour cream. If you can’t resist chips, opt for baked ones with salsa instead of a cheese-based dip.

Corn on the cob

‘As is, corn on the cob has no fat,’ Smithson says. ‘If you’re adding melted margarine, use it sparingly to help cut down on the fat and calorie content.’

Potato salad

Lower the fat content by stirring in reduced-fat mayo and extra veggies in the recipe.

Fruit salad

‘Fresh fruit is already a healthy choice, containing no fat,’ Smithson says. She suggests mixing things up at your cookout by grilling fruit for dessert. Brownies and ice cream: By now, it’s common knowledge that you can reduce the fat and calories in brownies by replacing the fat source with apple sauce, but Smithson says prune puree is another good fat substitute. Bonus: Prunes are a good source of fibre, which helps decrease the risk of heart disease and obesity.